beta version Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I hated multitasking on my Pixel — until I tried Android 17’s app bubbles

Software experience significantly influences smartphone appeal, with Google's Pixel series noted for its seamless interface. The recent Android 17 introduces features like app memory limits, enhanced controls, and improved location transparency, leading to the installation of its beta version on the Google Pixel 10a. A poll on multitasking preferences revealed that 17% prefer split screen, 57% switch between apps, and 27% barely multitask. The introduction of the bubbles feature in Android 17 enhances multitasking by allowing users to pin up to five apps simultaneously, facilitating quick access and seamless transitions between tasks. The user's setup includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Chrome, Slack, and YouTube Music, promoting a balanced work-life integration. The Pixel 10a is characterized by a flush camera design, good performance and battery life, strong cameras, and a promise of excellent software support. It features the Tensor G4 chip, a vibrant 120Hz display, and is priced at .99, with a commitment to seven years of software updates.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

New SteamOS update finally fixes one of the Steam Deck’s most irritating bugs

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.5 Beta, which includes bug fixes and enhancements for the Steam Deck and other devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Key improvements include a fix for audio issues on the Steam Deck OLED, enhancements to video memory management for discrete GPUs, and a resolution for a bug in Desktop Mode. The update also includes stability and security updates, a fix for the Asus ROG Ally's control behavior after suspend, and improvements from the previous 3.8.4 Beta, such as solutions for WiFi performance issues and trackpad sensitivity adjustments. Users can join the beta by navigating to Settings > System > System Update Channel.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Android 17 gets a smarter media switcher, and it already feels better than the old carousel

Google's Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 introduces a new media app switching interface that replaces the traditional carousel layout with a streamlined card layout. This design features compact cards for minimized media applications on either side of the main media player, allowing users to switch between apps by tapping on these cards. Media apps are organized by importance, showing the currently playing media first, followed by content from remote devices and past sessions. While the new layout has received positive feedback for its clarity, some users have raised concerns about the size of the media controls and requested options for customization to enhance accessibility.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Google Messages’ easiest pairing method is about to disappear

The QR code pairing method for accessing the Google Messages desktop web app is being phased out, as indicated by the removal of the QR code scanner option in the latest beta version, v20260511. Users will soon need to link their devices and access the web app using their Google account credentials instead. Although the QR code option is still available in the web app for now, Google is preparing to eliminate it entirely. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Google account sign-in process, as adaptation to the new login method will be necessary in the near future.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

One UI 9 makes it easier to spot sideloaded apps on your Galaxy phone

Samsung has begun the rollout of the One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series, featuring enhanced security measures. Key additions include the Auto Blocker with a security report feature and the reinstatement of USB connection blocking in Maximum restrictions mode. The beta version allows monitoring of "unknown" apps, alerting users to high-risk applications and blocking their execution and installation. Users can access the Manage unknown apps section in Settings to view and uninstall sideloaded applications from non-approved sources. This feature aims to improve user experience and security oversight, with expectations for inclusion in the stable release.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

Android’s Photo picker may finally fix its biggest missing feature

Google is set to introduce a built-in camera shortcut within the Android Photo picker, as indicated by findings in the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 2. This feature will allow users to take photos directly from the Photo picker interface, improving the user experience by eliminating the need for separate camera entry points in various applications. Additionally, the beta version includes a feature that allows users to delete their search history within the Photo picker by long-pressing on a search query. These updates aim to streamline media sharing and enhance user control over privacy and search preferences.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Videogame ‘beta versions’ are anything but, says veteran RPG dev—real games are ‘shy, shy, shy, shy, slightly less sh***y, and it skyrockets’ at the end

Prokop Jirsa, the lead designer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, argues that the term "beta" in video game marketing often misrepresents the actual state of game development. He points out that what players experience in public betas is typically much more polished than the internal alphas or betas, which are less refined. Jirsa humorously suggests that these pre-release versions could be more accurately labeled as gammas or deltas. He emphasizes the non-linear progression of game quality, noting that significant time and effort are required to achieve a polished final product, which can take months or even years. Jirsa reflects on the challenges faced during the development of the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, given the limited resources and tight timelines.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Android 17’s first QPR gets a second beta, fixing instability and glitchy gestures

Google is rolling out Beta 2 of the Android 17 QPR1 update to enrolled Pixel users, addressing issues from the initial testing phase. The update fixes swipe gesture problems, a "visual instability" when navigating between apps, and Bluetooth tethering issues. Beta 1 previously resolved several key bugs. The transition from Beta 1 to Beta 2 reflects Google's focus on reliability and performance enhancements. Android 17 is expected to launch in mid-2026, with QPR1 updates likely rolling out around August or September.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Google Gemini is finally becoming the personal assistant we were promised

Google is developing an AI assistant named "Remy," powered by its Gemini technology, which aims to function as a digital operator managing various tasks. Internal testing is underway, and Remy will be integrated within the Gemini app to assist with work, school, and personal responsibilities while adapting to user preferences. Google employees are already engaging with Remy in trials. The Gemini app currently summarizes emails, responds to inquiries, creates documents, and interacts with Google services, with Remy's potential extending beyond these capabilities. Google has enhanced Gemini's planning and agent features, preparing Remy for more autonomous tasks. Project Mariner, an experimental browser agent, has concluded, and its technology is now part of Gemini Agent. Researchers have raised security concerns regarding AI agents due to their access to sensitive information. While an official launch date for Remy is not announced, Google suggests that 2026 will be significant for Android, with Gemini absorbing functionalities from the legacy Google Assistant. The development of such assistants raises privacy concerns as users may be uneasy about granting extensive access to their personal lives.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Google Messages may soon solve your dark viewfinder struggles

Google is introducing a feature called Low Light Boost for its messaging platform's in-app camera preview, aimed at improving visibility in dim lighting. This feature brightens the viewfinder in real-time, allowing users to frame their shots better before taking a photo. Low Light Boost adjusts brightness based on surrounding light conditions and operates instantly, unlike traditional Night Mode. There are two methods for implementing Low Light Boost: 1. Low-Light Boost AE Mode, a hardware-level auto-exposure mode available on devices running Android 15 or later, specifically on Pixel 10 devices. 2. Google Low Light Boost, a software-based solution (HDRNet) for devices that do not support AE mode, enhancing brightness through post-processing techniques. The latest beta version of Google Messages, v20260501, includes code hints for the integration of Low Light Boost, although it is not yet fully operational. The feature enhances the viewfinder experience but does not affect the quality of the final image, which requires a separate Night Mode.